Maintenance free dryer having multiple self-cleaning lint filters

ABSTRACT

A laundry appliance includes a rotating drum for processing laundry. A blower directs process air through an air path that includes the rotating drum. A heat exchanger is positioned within the air path that cools and dehumidifies the process air. A plurality of air filters arranged sequentially captures lint from the process air at respective positions upstream of the heat exchanger. A filter spray system has a plurality of fluid sprayers that deliver fluid to a surface of each air filter of the plurality of air filters. Each fluid sprayer of the plurality of fluid sprayers directs captured lint away from a respective air filter of the plurality of air filters.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit under 35 U.S.C.§119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/372,825, filed onAug. 10, 2016, entitled “MAINTENANCE FREE DRYER HAVING MULTIPLESELF-CLEANING LINT FILTERS,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/449,838, filed on Jan. 24, 2017, entitled “MAINTENANCE FREE DRYERHAVING MULTIPLE SELF-CLEANING LINT FILTERS,” the entire disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DEVICE

The device is in the field of laundry appliances, more specifically, amaintenance free laundry appliance having a plurality of self-cleaninglint filters.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In at least one aspect, a laundry appliance includes a rotating drum forprocessing laundry. A blower directs process air through an air paththat includes the rotating drum. A heat exchanger is positioned withinthe air path that cools and dehumidifies the process air. A plurality ofair filters arranged sequentially captures lint from the process air atrespective positions upstream of the heat exchanger. A filter spraysystem has a plurality of fluid sprayers that deliver fluid to a surfaceof each air filter of the plurality of air filters. Each fluid sprayerof the plurality of fluid sprayers directs captured lint away from arespective air filter of the plurality of air filters.

In at least another aspect, a lint removal system for a laundryappliance includes an air moving unit that directs process air throughan air path for processing laundry. A heat exchanger dehumidifies theprocess air within the air path. First and second lint filters arepositioned upstream of the heat exchanger for capturing lint particlesfrom the process air. A first fluid sprayer directs fluid to a surfaceof the first lint filter for removing captured lint from the first lintfilter. A second fluid sprayer directs the fluid to a surface of thesecond lint filter for removing the captured lint from the second lintfilter. A diverter valve selectively apportions the fluid between thefirst and second fluid sprayers, wherein the fluid from the first andsecond fluid sprayers and the captured lint from the first and secondlint filters are directed to a common drain channel.

In at least another aspect, a lint removal system for a laundryappliance includes a plurality of air filters that capture lint withinan air path at a position upstream of a heat exchanger. A plurality offluid sprayers direct fluid onto the plurality of air filters,respectively, to remove captured lint from the plurality of air filters.A diverter valve apportions the fluid between the plurality of fluidsprayers. A drain channel is positioned below the heat exchanger andbelow the plurality of air filters to receive condensate from the heatexchanger and receive the fluid and captured lint from the plurality ofair filters.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present devicewill be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the artupon studying the following specification, claims, and appendeddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a laundry appliance incorporatingan aspect of the multi-filter lint removal system;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the appliance of FIG. 1 taken alongline II-II;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aspect of a laundryappliance incorporating a heat pump system;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aspect of the multi-filterlint removal system;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the laundry appliance ofFIG. 1, taken along line V-V;

FIG. 6 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a laundry applianceincorporating an aspect of the multi-filter lint removal system;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fluid flow system fordelivering fluid to the multi-filter lint removal system;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aspect of a diverter valvefor delivering fluid to multiple filters of an aspect of the lintremoval system;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an aspect of a water inlet valve fordelivering fluid throughout an appliance incorporating an aspect of themulti-filter lint removal system;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a diverter valve incorporatedwithin an aspect of the multi-filter lint removal system;

FIG. 11 is a partially exploded view of a fluid pump incorporated withinan aspect of the multi-filter lint removal system;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of an inlet valve for the fluid pumpof FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a laundry appliance incorporatingan aspect of the multi-filter lint removal system;

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the laundry appliance ofFIG. 13, taken along line XIV-XIV;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the appliance of FIG. 14,taken at area XV and exemplifying an aspect of an angled door air filterhaving an operable bypass member;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the door air filter of FIG. 15showing operation of a spray mechanism for cleaning lint from the doorair filter; and

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the door air filter of FIG. 16 andshowing the bypass member being moved to the drain position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the device as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it isto be understood that the device may assume various alternativeorientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to thecontrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices andprocesses illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in thefollowing specification are simply exemplary embodiments of theinventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specificdimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, reference numeral 10 generally refers to alint removal system for a laundry appliance 12, or other applianceincorporating a heat pump system 14 having a plurality of heatexchangers 16. It is contemplated that the laundry appliance 12 caninclude a rotating drum 18 and an air path 20 having an air moving unit22 adapted to deliver air 24 through the air path 20 and through therotating drum 18. At least a portion of the heat pump system 14 ispositioned within the air path 20, and, in particular, at least one ofthe heat exchangers 16 of the heat pump system 14. The heat pump system14 serves to condition air 24 within the air path 20 for heating andcooling the air 24 within the air path 20 and also extracting moistureand humidity in the form of condensate 26 from air 24 delivered from therotating drum 18. The heat exchanger 16 of the heat pump system 14 isadapted to cool and dehumidify air 24 within the air path 20. The heatexchanger 16 condenses moisture within the air 24 into condensate 26that is captured within a drain channel 28 positioned below the heatexchanger 16. A plurality of air filters 30 are positioned upstream fromthe heat exchanger 16. The plurality of air filters 30 serve to removelint 32 from the air 24 delivered to the heat exchangers 16 within theair path 20. Accordingly, a plurality of air filters 30 serve to capturelint 32 within the air 24 of the air path 20 so that the lint 32 doesnot adhere, or substantially does not adhere, to the heat exchanger 16of the heat pump system 14. A filter spray system 34 is disposed incommunication with the plurality of air filters 30. The filter spraysystem 34 includes a plurality of fluid sprayers 36 that deliver fluid38 to each air filter 30 of the plurality of air filters 30. The fluid38 sprayed onto the plurality of air filters 30 is captured by the drainchannel 28. Accordingly, lint 32 present on any one or more of theplurality of air filters 30 is sprayed off by the plurality of fluidsprayers 36 such that the fluid 38 from the sprayers and the lint 32from the plurality of air filters 30 is moved from the plurality of airfilters 30 to the drain channel 28. A fluid pump 40 is disposed incommunication with the drain channel 28 and the fluid outlet 42. In thismanner, the fluid pump 40 operates to deliver fluid 38 and lint 32 fromthe drain channel 28 to the fluid outlet 42 and to the exterior of thelaundry appliance 12.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-8, the heat pump system 14 for the laundryappliance 12 can include a compressor 50, a first heat exchanger 52 inthe form of an evaporator 54 that extracts heat 190 at least from air 24moving through the air path 20 of the laundry appliance 12 and a secondheat exchanger 56 in the form of a condenser 58 that releases heat 190for use in the laundry appliance 12. The heat pump system 14 alsoincludes an expansion device 60 and a refrigerant 62 that moves througha refrigerant line 64 that connects the various components of the heatpump system 14. The operation of a refrigerant-powered heat pump withinan appliance is generally known by those having skill in the art.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-8, during operation of the laundry appliance12, typically in the form of a dryer for processing laundry, wetclothing is placed within the rotating drum 18 to be dried. The airmoving unit 22, typically in the form of a blower, moves air 24 throughthe air path 20 and across the damp clothing placed within the drum 18.The blower moves air 24 across the condenser 58 or other heat sourcesuch that the air 24 is heated before it moves into the drum 18. Theheated air 24 moves across the wet clothing within the drum 18 andextracts moisture from the clothing such that the heated air 24 becomesheated and humid air 70. In addition to moisture, the heated air 24 alsocollects lint 32 from the clothing disposed within the drum 18. Theheated and humid air 70 that also contains lint 32 is then moved throughthe plurality of filters wherein the lint 32 carried within the heatedand humid air 70 is captured within the plurality of filters. The heatedand humid air 70 moves from the plurality of filters to the evaporator54 or heat sink that extracts heat 190 from the heated and humid air 70.The extraction of heat 190 also causes condensation of the humiditywithin the heated and humid air 70 from the drum 18. This condensationprecipitates from the air 24 and is captured within the drain channel 28positioned below the evaporator 54. The air 24 is then moved back to thecondenser 58 and/or other heat source to be cycled through the air path20 and drum 18 once again.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-8, the lint removal system 10 can include aplurality of air filters 30 for removing lint 32 from air 24 in the airpath 20. The plurality of air filters 30 can include first and secondlint filters 80, 82 where the second lint filter 82 has a second meshsize smaller than a first mesh size of the first lint filter 80.Accordingly, the first lint filter 80 captures particles of lint 32having a larger size, which typically accounts for the majority of lint32 carried within the heated and humid air 70 delivered from the drum18. Smaller particles of lint 32 not captured by the first lint filter80 are then moved toward the second lint filter 82 having the smallersecond mesh size. Smaller particles of lint 32 are then captured by thesecond lint filter 82. It is also contemplated, in various embodiments,that the lint removal system 10 can also include a third lint filter 84having a third mesh size smaller than the second mesh size of the secondlint filter 82. In such an embodiment, even smaller particles of lint 32that pass through the second lint filter 82 may be captured by the thirdlint filter 84, such that the vast majority of lint carried by theheated and humid air 70 emanating from the rotating drum 18 can becaptured within the lint removal system 10. It is also contemplated thatthe lint removal system 10 may include more than three air filters 30where each successive air filter 30 includes a mesh size that is smallerthan the previous air filter 30 within the plurality of air filters 30.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-8, the filter spray system 34 includes aplurality of filter sprayers that are paired with a corresponding airfilter 30. In this manner, a first fluid sprayer 90 is paired with thefirst lint filter 80, a second fluid sprayer 92 is paired with thesecond lint filter 82, and a third fluid sprayer 94 is paired with athird lint filter 84, and so on for each air filter 30 within the lintremoval system 10. According to the various embodiments, each of thefirst, second and third fluid sprayers 90, 92, 94 can include two ormore subsprayers 96 that are adapted to spray fluid 38 on correspondingfilter portions 98 of the respective first, second and third lintfilters 80, 82, 84. In this manner, fluid 38 delivered to the firstfluid sprayer 90 can be separately apportioned between the subsprayers96 of the first and second fluid sprayer 90, 92. In this manner,different filter portions 98 of the first lint filter 80 can be sprayedthrough use of the subsprayers 96 of the first fluid sprayer 90, and soon for each air filter 30.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-8, the use of subsprayers 96 is incorporatedsuch that filter portions 98 of each air filter 30 of the plurality ofair filters 30 can be washed at different times. As each filter portion98 of the various air filters 30 is washed, fluid 38 may adhere to themesh openings of a particular filter portion 98. Air 24 moving throughthe particular filter portion 98 can, over time, dislodge, remove,evaporate, or otherwise eliminate the adhered fluid 38 from within theparticular filter portion 98. However, while the fluid 38 is adhered tothe particular filter portion 98, the filter portion 98 may betemporarily blocked from allowing air 24 to pass through that filterportion 98.

The use of subsprayers 96 for each of the first, second and third lintfilters 80, 82, 84 allows for the passage of air 24 within the air path20 through various filter portions 98 that have not yet been sprayed.This passage of air 24 through the unsprayed filter portions 100 of eachair filter 30 also provides for a faster and more expedient removal ofthe adhered fluid 38 from the sprayed filter portions 102 of theparticular air filter 30. Accordingly, the use of the subsprayers 96within each of the first, second and third fluid sprayers 90, 92, 94 canbe sequenced during a particular washing cycle to account for theremoval of any adhered fluid 38 within the recently sprayed filterportions 102 of the first, second and third lint filters 80, 82, 84. Thesubsprayers 96 or nozzles 160 of each of the first, second and thirdfluid sprayers 90, 92, 94 can be separated into two subsprayers 96,three subsprayers 96, or combinations thereof. The exact number ofsubsprayers 96 or nozzles 160 for washing each air filter 30 can varydepending upon the amount of lint 32 typically being captured/sprayed,the frequency of spraying cycles, the position of the particular fluidsprayers 36/corresponding air filter 30, combinations thereof, and othersimilar factors that can bear on the amount of subsprayers 96 needed fora particular air filter 30 within the lint removal system 10.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-10, fluid 38 used for the filter spray system34 can be obtained through an external fluid source 110, such as a wallspigot external to the laundry appliance 12. According to variousembodiments, it is contemplated that fluid 38 can be captured through arecycling of condensate 26 captured within the drain channel 28 or othercontainer during use of the heat pump system 14.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-12, the laundry appliance 12 can include anelectrovalve 112 that regulates the flow of fluid 38, typically water,from the external fluid source 110, or other source of fluid 38. Theelectrovalve 112 can be a solenoid, stepper motor, servo motor,combinations thereof, or other similar electrically operated motor. Theelectrovalve 112 for receiving fluid 38 from the external fluid source110 can include a single fluid valve 114 that is activated anddeactivated for delivering fluid 38 from the external fluid source 110to the filter spray system 34. It is also contemplated that theelectrovalve 112 can include a plurality of fluid valves 114 forseparately and independently delivering fluid 38 from the external fluidsource 110 to various portions of the laundry appliance 12. Fluid valves114 contained within the electrovalve 112 can be used for deliveringfluid 38 to a sprayer system that disposes water within the rotatingdrum 18, or other similar uses not necessarily related to the filterspray system 34. It is also contemplated that the electrovalve 112 caninclude a fluid valve 114 that is separately and independently operableand in communication with each of the first, second and third fluidsprayers 90, 92, 94. Accordingly, a first fluid valve 116 may be usedfor delivering fluid 38 to the first fluid sprayer 90 for cleaning thefirst lint filter 80. A second fluid valve 118 can be used fordelivering fluid 38 to the second fluid sprayer 92 for cleaning thesecond lint filter 82. Similarly, a third fluid valve 120 can be usedfor delivering fluid 38 to the third fluid sprayer 94 for cleaning thethird lint filter 84. The various fluid valves 114 can be sequenced toopen and close separately, simultaneously, in patterns, in combinations,or other sequences. It should be understood that the exact configurationof the electrovalve 112 and the various fluid valves 114 can be modifieddepending upon the particular design of the laundry appliance 12 and theconfiguration of the lint removal system 10.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-10, downstream from the electrovalve 112 andthe one or more fluid valves 114, a diverter valve 130 is positioned forapportioning fluid 38 between the plurality of fluid sprayers 36,between the subsprayers 96 for each fluid sprayer 36, or both. Thediverter valve 130 can be in the form of a stepper motor, solenoid,servo motor, or other similar electrically operated valve forapportioning fluid 38 between the various subsprayers 96 and/or thefirst, second and third fluid sprayers 90, 92, 94.

According to various embodiments, it is contemplated that a primarydiverter valve 140 can be in communication with the electrovalve 112,where the primary diverter valve 140 is operable between a plurality ofpositions, each corresponding to one of the first, second or third fluidsprayer 90, 92, 94. In such an embodiment, each position of the primarydiverter valve 140 is in communication with a fluid line 142 thatdelivers fluid 38 to one of the first, second or third fluid sprayers90, 92, 94. Each fluid line 142 connected to the first, second and thirdfluid sprayers 90, 92, 94, respectively, can include a dedicateddiverter valve 144 that apportions fluid 38 between the varioussubsprayers 96 within each of the first, second and third fluid sprayers90, 92, 94, respectively.

Referring again to FIGS. 7-10, it is contemplated that the electrovalve112 and one or more diverter valves 130 can be operated through analgorithm that sequences the operation of each of the first, second andthird fluid sprayers 90, 92, 94 and the subsprayers 96 for each of theair filters 30 according to a preset algorithm. This preset algorithmserves to sequentially operate the spraying of filter portions 98 of thefirst, second and third lint filters 80, 82, 84 to maximize the sprayingoperation of each of the fluid sprayers 36 and also minimize theobstruction that may be caused by adhesion of the fluid 38 on thevarious filter portions 98 of the first, second and third lint filters80, 82, 84. It is contemplated that the spraying cycle for cleaning theplurality of air filters 30 within the lint removal system 10 can occurduring each drying cycle of the laundry appliance 12. Accordingly, eachof the first, second and third lint filters 80, 82, 84 is sprayed atleast once during each drying cycle. As discussed above, the first lintfilter 80 may capture more lint 32 during each drying cycle.Accordingly, the first lint filter 80, in various embodiments, may besprayed multiple times during a particular drying cycle of the laundryappliance 12. The second and third lint filters 82, 84 may be sprayedless during a particular drying cycle, and may be sprayed only at theconclusion of a particular drying cycle.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-6, it is contemplated that each air filter 30within the lint removal system 10 can be spaced apart from the other airfilters 30 and can be placed in a parallel configuration with each ofthe other air filters 30 of the lint removal system 10. The spacingbetween each of the air filters 30 of the lint removal system 10 allowsfor each respective fluid sprayer 36 to effectively deliver fluid 38 toa front surface 150 of each of the first, second and third lint filters80, 82, 84 and without interfering with the operation of an adjacent airfilter 30 by spraying fluid 38 on the back surface 152 of an adjacentair filter 30. By way of example, and not limitation, the second fluidsprayer 92 can be adapted to spray fluid 38 on the front surface 150 ofthe second lint filter 82. The second lint filter 82 is spacedsufficiently far enough from the first lint filter 80 such thatoperation of the second fluid sprayer 92 can spray fluid 38 onto thefront surface 150 of the second lint filter 82 without depositing fluid38 or depositing substantial amounts of the fluid 38 on the back surface152 of the first lint filter 80. It is contemplated that the sequencingof activation and deactivation of the particular subsprayers 96 withinthe first, second and third fluid sprayers 90, 92, 94 can be configuredto minimize the effect of inadvertent spray from contacting a backsurface 152 of the first or second lint filters 80, 82 as a result ofthe operation of the second and third fluid sprayers 92, 94.

In order to properly space each of the air filters 30 within the lintremoval system 10, a gap of approximately 10 mm may be consideredbetween each of the air filters 30 to avoid obstruction by lint 32 andalso allows installation and operation of nozzles 160 for thesubsprayers 96 during use of the laundry appliance 12. While 10 mm isused as an example herein, the distance between the air filters 30 canvary to be either greater than or less than 10 mm between adjacent airfilters 30. The individual spaces between the various air filters 30within the lint removal system 10 can also vary. As a non-limitingexample, the space between the first and second lint filters 80, 82 maybe greater than the space between the second and third lint filters 82,84 where it is contemplated that less lint 32 will accumulate betweenthe second and third lint filters 82, 84 than between the first andsecond lint filters 80, 82.

The first, second and third fluid sprayers 90, 92, 94 can be positionedabove or within the air path 20 adjacent to the respective air filter30. It is also contemplated that the first, second and third fluidsprayers 90, 92, 94 can be incorporated within a wall 170 of the airpath 20 for delivering fluid 38 to the first, second and third lintfilters 80, 82, 84.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-8, the first, second and third fluid sprayers90, 92, 94 can include a plurality of nozzles 160 that correspond toeach of the subsprayers 96 for the first, second and third fluidsprayers 90, 92, 94. Each of the nozzles 160 can deliver fluid 38 in apredetermined fluid path 180 for cleaning the corresponding filterportion 98 of the first, second or third lint filter 80, 82, 84. Thefluid path 180 emanating from each nozzle 160 can take any one ofvarious shapes that can include, but is not limited to, a fan spray, acascade spray, a plurality of individual spray jets, an angled spraypath, various shaped or contoured spray patterns, combinations thereof,and other similar fluid paths 180. The particular fluid path 180 can bebased upon various factors that may include the desired filter portion98 of the particular air filter 30 to be sprayed, the shape of the airfilter 30, the spacing of the air filters 30, and other similarconsiderations.

According to the various embodiments, the various fluid sprayers 36 canbe adapted to direct the fluid 38 in various configurations anddirections with respect to the respective air filter 30. It iscontemplated that, in various embodiments, one or more of the fluidsprayers 36 can direct fluid 38 toward the back surface 152 of therespective air filter 30. In such an embodiment, any one or more of thefluid sprayers 36 can direct fluid 38 through the back surface 152 ofthe respective air filter 30 in order to push lint 32 off from and awayfrom the front surface 150 of the respective air filter 30. It is alsocontemplated, in various embodiments, that at least one of the fluidsprayers 36 can be adapted to direct the fluid 38 toward the frontsurface 150 of a respective air filter 30 and at least one of the otherfluid sprayers 36 can be adapted to direct fluid 38 toward the backsurface 152 of the corresponding air filter 30.

By way of example, and not limitation, the first fluid sprayer 90 can beconfigured to direct fluid 38 to the back surface 152 of the first lintfilter 80. The second and third fluid sprayers 92, 94 can be configuredto direct the flow of fluid 38 to the front surface 150 of the secondand third lint filters 82, 84, respectively. While this exemplaryembodiment is disclosed, it should be understood that variouscombinations of front surface 150 fluid sprayers 36 and back surface 152fluid sprayers 36 can be included in a particular filter spray system 34of a laundry appliance 12.

According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated that the spraysequence for cleaning the two or more air filters 30 contained withinthe lint removal system 10 can be activated by various methods. One suchmethod includes a timer that automatically activates a spray sequenceaccording to certain times within a particular drying cycle. It iscontemplated that each type of drying cycle may have a correspondingspray sequence that accounts for the type of clothing being dried andvarious other parameters that may be indicative of a particular dryingcycle. By way of example, and not limitation, a drying cycle fordelicates may result in less accumulation of lint 32 within theplurality of air filters 30 such that fewer spray sequences may need tobe performed. Conversely, a drying sequence for drying towels mayrequire the performance of more frequent spray cycles to clean theplurality of air filters 30 more times to remove greater amounts of lint32 that may be accumulated within the plurality of air filters 30.

According to various embodiments, the various spray cycles may also beinitiated through a temperature-related signal where an increase intemperature of the compressor 50 for the heat pump system 14 mayinitiate a spray sequence for cleaning the plurality of air filters 30.As an example, as lint 32 accumulates within one or more of theplurality of air filters 30, the movement of air 24 through the air path20 may become progressively blocked through the accumulation of lint 32.As the movement of air 24 within the air path 20 becomes blocked, thetransfer of heat 190 from the heat exchangers 16 to the air 24 withinthe air path 20 also becomes more inefficient. Accordingly, thecompressor 50 may have to operate at longer intervals to maintain thedesired parameters for operating the laundry appliance 12. The longeroperation of the compressor 50 increases the temperature in and aroundthe compressor 50. This increase in temperature can be communicated tothe laundry appliance 12 through a thermostat, thermocouple, thermistor,or other similar sensor. The sensor of the compressor 50 can communicatetemperature readings to a control for the laundry appliance 12indicating that the blockage of lint 32 is sufficient such that theincrease in temperature of the compressor 50 needs to be addressed andthe spray sequence needs to be activated to remove a build-up of lint 32causing the temperature increase within the compressor 50.

Other mechanisms for activating a spray sequence can include, but arenot limited to, a lint detector, airflow monitors, and other similarmonitors that serve to indicate a build-up of lint 32 within theplurality of air filters 30.

Referring again to FIGS. 4-6, after the fluid sprayers 36 are activated,the fluid 38 from the first, second, and third fluid sprayers 90, 92, 94as well as the lint 32 collected from the first, second and third lintfilters 80, 82, 84, is moved to the drain channel 28 positioned belowthe evaporator 54 of the heat pump system 14. According to the variousembodiments, it is contemplated that the condensed fluid 38 precipitatedby the evaporator 54 drops into the same drain channel 28 as that of thesprayed fluid 38 and lint 32 mixture. To promote the flow of lint 32 andfluid 38 within the drain channel 28 toward the fluid pump 40, the drainchannel 28 can be sloped or otherwise disposed at a particular angle.This angle can be any one of various angles that promotes the flow offluid 38, and potentially lint 32, from the front portion 200 of thebasement 202, where the air filters 30 and fluid sprayers 36 arelocated, to the rear portion 204 of the basement 202, where the fluidpump 40 is located. Additionally, the drain channel 28 can include aseparate fluid sprayer 36 that can be activated to move fluid 38 andlint 32 within the drain channel 28 and toward the fluid pump 40. Thevolume of the drain channel 28 can also vary and can be defined basedupon an energy tradeoff. The size of a front opening can affect themaximum amount of lint 32 drainable. By way of example, and as aconservative approach, a 35 mm front opening section in the frontportion 200 of the drain channel 28 and an approximately 65 mm rearopening section at the rear portion 204 of the drain channel 28 can beused. It should be understood that other front and rear opening sectionscan be modified depending upon the desired performance of the particularlaundry appliance 12.

Referring now to FIG. 6, because multiple air filters 30 are being used,the cross-sectional thickness of the plurality of air filters 30positioned below the door opening 210 and may alter the configuration ofthe air path 20 as it moves through the laundry appliance 12. In orderto direct the flow of air 24 through the air path 20, various airdiverters 212 may be implemented within the laundry appliance 12 and inthe air path 20 to direct the flow of air 24, such that the heated andhumid air 70 from the drum 18, which typically contains lint 32, can bedirected through each of the plurality of air filters 30 of the lintremoval system 10. Accordingly, whether the lint removal system 10includes only first and second lint filters 80, 82 or includes first,second and third lint filters 80, 82, 84 or includes additional lintfilters, the various air diverters 212 that at least partially definethe air path 20 can be used to ensure that the flow of air 24 throughthe air path 20 flows through each of the plurality of air filters 30within the lint removal system 10. Also, as discussed above, it iscontemplated that fewer spray sequences may be activated onto the thirdlint filter 84 as opposed to the second or first lint filters 82, 80.

According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated that the designof the lint removal system 10 is such that maintenance of the variousair filters 30 and fluid sprayers 36 can be performed primarily by aservice technician. Accordingly, the lint removal system 10 may not beequipped with a convenient access panel on the exterior of the laundryappliance 12. This is to deter an owner of the laundry appliance 12 whomay not be knowledgeable as to the operation of the lint removal system10 from trying to maintain the lint removal system 10. The lint removalsystem 10 is adapted to be substantially maintenance free, such thatcleaning and/or maintenance of the heat pump system 14 and the lintremoval system 10 is necessary only at substantially infrequent times,such as every six months, annually, bi-annually, every three years, orat greater time intervals, or after a large number of drying cycles ofthe laundry appliance 12.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-12, it is contemplated that all of the fluid38 that is received from the external source and moved through thevarious inlet electrovalves 112, water pipes, diverter valves 130,nozzles 160, filters, drain channels 28, and other portions of thelaundry appliance 12, is eventually moved through the fluid pump 40 ofthe laundry appliance 12 and out to the external drain 220 forelimination from the laundry appliance 12. It is contemplated that thefluid pump 40 can include a pump inlet 222 that collects fluid 38 andlint 32 from the drain channel 28 and moves the fluid 38 and lint 32through an impeller chamber 224, where various impellers 226 draw in thefluid 38 and lint 32 and direct the fluid 38 and lint 32 to a drainconduit 228 and out of the laundry appliance 12 to an external drain220. The fluid pump 40 can be positioned at a rear portion 204 of thebasement 202 of the laundry appliance 12 and the drain conduit 228 canextend upward from the fluid pump 40 such that the fluid pump 40 movesthe fluid 38 and lint 32 upward through the drain channel 28 and outthrough the external drain 220. Within typical residential laundryrooms, the external fluid source 110 and external drains 220 arepositioned adjacent to one another such that the drain conduit 228 needsto be positioned near the inlet electrovalve 112. In this manner, thelint 32 and fluid 38 can be properly eliminated from the laundryappliance 12.

Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6, the incorporation of the lint removalsystem 10 is meant to make removal of lint 32 from the laundry appliance12 a substantially maintenance-free operation. Accordingly, the laundryappliance 12 can be designed without a removable door-mounted lintfilter as is present in conventional laundry dryers. While a removablelint filter is typically not installed within the door, a fence orsimilar blocking member 240 can be installed within the door opening 210to prevent larger objects such as coins, Legos, pens, toys, and othersimilar objects from coming into contact with the first lint filter 80of the lint removal system 10. This blocking member 240 can include aconcave shape for capturing and retaining such items. It is alsocontemplated that the fence or blocking member 240 can have a convexshape such that larger items can simply roll or slide off the blockingmember 240 or can be captured within a collection area adjacent to theblocking member 240.

While the inclusion of first, second and third lint filters 80, 82, 84are discussed within various embodiments of the lint removal system 10,it is contemplated that the plurality of air filters 30 may include onlyfirst and second lint filters 80, 82. Various embodiments may alsoinclude first, second and third lint filters 80, 82, 84 and can alsoinclude a third lint filter 84. It is also contemplated that the lintremoval system 10 disclosed herein can be positioned in the basement 202of the laundry appliance 12, or can be positioned in another location ofthe laundry appliance 12 to provide space for various operationalmechanisms of the laundry appliance 12. The lint removal system 10described herein can also be included within a laundry appliance 12 thatincludes both washing and drying functions to be an all-in-one laundryappliance 12. It is contemplated that the lint removal system 10 canalso be included within laundry appliances 12 of varying sizes, such asa small apartment-type laundry unit as well as a larger commercial-typelaundry unit.

It is also contemplated that the lint removal system 10 can beincorporated within various types of appliances that incorporate a heatpump system 14 or other similar refrigerant systems. Such appliances caninclude, but are not limited to, dryers, refrigerators, freezers,chillers, and other similar appliances that incorporate a heat exchangemechanism.

As exemplified in FIGS. 13-17, the lint removal system 10 can include anangled lint filter 260 that is typically positioned upstream of thefirst, second and third lint filters 80, 82, 84. The angled lint filter260 can also be positioned below the door opening 210 and within the airpath 20, where the angled lint filter 260 is positioned therein toseparate lint 32 from process air 24 moving through the air path 20. Aportion of the filter spray system 34 in the form of an angled spraymechanism 262 is connected to a fluid source 264. The angled spraymechanism 262 is positioned at a first edge 266 of the angled lintfilter 260 to spray fluid 38 onto a portion of the angled lint filter260 in order to remove and capture lint 32 that has been entrapped by asurface of the angled lint filter 260. As the angled spray mechanism 262projects a stream of fluid 38 along a surface of the angled lint filter260, captured lint 270 from the upstream surface 268 of the angled lintfilter 260 is moved to a lint drain 272 that extends from a second edge274 of the angled lint filter 260 down to an area near the drain channel28. The lint drain 272 is typically positioned to allow for movement ofthe fluid 38 and captured lint 270 from the angled lint filter 260 to bedelivered to the drain channel 28 in substantially the same manner ascaptured lint 270 is removed from the first, second and third lintfilters 80, 82, 84 toward the common drain channel 28. The angled lintfilter 260 can be used in conjunction with any number of the typicallyvertically oriented first, second and third lint filters 80, 82, 84.Accordingly, the lint removal system 10 may include the angled lintfilter 260 along with only the first lint filter 80. The angled lintfilter 260 may also be accompanied by additional vertically orientedfilters that make up the first, second and third lint filters 80, 82,84.

Referring again to FIGS. 14-17, a bypass member 280 can be positioned ator near the second edge 274 of the angled lint filter 260. The bypassmember 280 is selectively operable to a blocking position 282 thatdirects process air 24 through the angled lint filter 260 and toward thefirst, second and third lint filters 80, 82, 84 for further removal oflint 32 from the air 24 moving through the air path 20. The bypassmember 280 is also operable to a drain position 284 that allows formovement of material from the upstream surface 268 of the angled lintfilter 260 and into the lint drain 272 for disposal into the drainchannel 28.

As exemplified in FIGS. 16-17, when the bypass member 280 is in thedrain position 284, fluid 38 from the angled spray mechanism 262, alongwith captured lint 270 that is pushed by the fluid 38 from the angledspray mechanism 262, can be moved along the upstream surface 268 of theangled lint filter 260 and into the lint drain 272. Typically, the backpressure of the fluid 38 emanating from the angled spray mechanism 262will have a force 286 sufficient to move the bypass member 280 from theblocking position 282 and into the drain position 284. The bypass member280 includes a biasing mechanism 290 that applies a biasing force 292upon the bypass member 280 in the direction of the blocking position282. When the fluid 38 is sprayed from the angled spray mechanism 262,the force 286 of the fluid 38 overcomes this biasing force 292 appliedby the biasing mechanism 290 to move the bypass member 280 from theblocking position 282 to the drain position 284. Accordingly, the force286 of the fluid 38 moves the bypass member 280 to open an accessaperture 294 to the lint drain 272 to allow for movement of the fluid 38and captured lint 270 into and through the lint drain 272 and to thedrain channel 28.

Referring again to FIGS. 14-16, when the angled spray mechanism 262 isdeactivated, and the force 286 of the fluid 38 is no longer present, thebiasing mechanism 290 biases the bypass member 280 back into theblocking position 282. In various embodiments, the bypass member 280 mayinclude one or more drain holes 302 or weep holes. These drain holes 302allow excess fluid 38 to move or flow past the bypass member 280 andinto the lint drain 272 when the opposing biasing force 296 of the fluid38 is not present. These drain holes 302 are sized and positioned toallow the excess fluid 38 to drain without impeding the flow of air 24through the air path 20 when the blocking member 240 is in the blockingposition 282. The drain holes 302 are also configured to preventwhistling or other air-related noise. The drain holes 302 may also bepositioned within the second edge 274 of the angled lint filter 260. Theexcess fluid 38 may also drain through the filtering material 312 andfall to the drain channel 28.

The angled lint filter 260 is typically positioned at an angle such thatgravity may at least partially assist in the movement of fluid 38 andcaptured lint 270 from the upstream surface 268 of the angled lintfilter 260 toward the bypass member 280. Typically, the gravitationalforce 286 of the fluid 38 and captured lint 270, by itself, isinsufficient to manipulate the bypass member 280 from the blockingposition 282 to the drain position 284. The fluid pressure of the fluid38 projected from the angled spray mechanism 262 generates an opposingbiasing force 296 that engages the bypass member 280 to manipulate thebypass member 280 from the blocking position 282 to the drain position284 for disposal of the captured lint 270 to the drain channel 28.

As exemplified in FIGS. 14-17, the angled position of the angled lintfilter 260 is such that the first edge 266 of the angled lint filter 260is typically positioned toward the front portion 200 of the cabinet andthe lower second edge 274 is positioned rearward of the first edge 266.Through this configuration, the angled spray mechanism 262 projectsfluid 38 in a predetermined spray pattern or fluid path 180 away fromthe front portion 200 of the cabinet and toward the drain channel 28 ofthe lint removal system 10. The angled spray mechanism 262 can direct astream of fluid 38 onto the upstream surface 268 of the angled lintfilter 260 to push the captured lint 270 toward the bypass member 280and bias the bypass member 280 into the drain position 284.

The angled spray mechanism 262 can also be positioned to spray fluid 38onto a downstream surface 310 or back side of the angled lint filter 260such that fluid 38 is directed through the filtering material 312 of theangled lint filter 260 for directing captured lint 270 toward the bypassmember 280. In such an embodiment, a portion of the bypass member 280may extend past the angled lint filter 260 and adjacent the downstreamsurface 310. In this manner, fluid 38 sprayed toward a downstreamsurface 310 of the angled lint filter 260 can also be directed to thisextended portion of the bypass member 280 to bias the bypass member 280from the blocking position 282 to the drain position 284 for disposal ofthe captured lint 270.

Referring again to FIGS. 13-17, when the bypass member 280 is in theblocking position 282, the bypass member 280 covers the access aperture294 proximate a top end 320 of the lint drain 272. When the angled spraymechanism 262 is activated and fluid 38 is directed to bias the bypassmember 280 to the drain position 284, the bypass member 280 moves to thedrain position 284 and opens the access aperture 294 at the top end 320of the lint drain 272. The lint drain 272 can be a tube, shaft,interstitial space, or other conduit that extends from the top end 320proximate the bypass member 280 to a bottom end 322 that is positionedover or at least near the drain channel 28 so that captured lint 270 canbe disposed into the drain channel 28. The lint drain 272 can also be atleast partially defined by a wall 170 of the air path 20 and can beentirely contained within the air path 20.

As exemplified in FIG. 15, when the bypass member 280 is in the blockingposition 282, the bypass member 280 may act as an aspect of the airdiverter 212 that manipulates the flow of air 24 through the air path 20for efficient movement through the angled lint filter 260 as well as thefirst, second and third lint filters 80, 82, 84 of the lint removalsystem 10. The bypass member 280 can include the biasing mechanism 290in the form of a spring or other biasing mechanism 290.

The bypass member 280 may also be in the form of an elastomeric memberhaving a shape that tends toward the blocking position 282. In such anembodiment, the biasing force 292 of the fluid 38 directed from theangled spray mechanism 262 serves to deflect a portion of theelastomeric bypass member 280 toward the drain position 284 to open thelint drain 272 and allow for movement of the fluid 38 and captured lint270 into the lint drain 272. After the angled spray mechanism 262 isdeactivated, the elastomeric nature of the bypass member 280 serves toreturn the bypass member 280 to its original shape that defines theblocking position 282.

Referring again to FIGS. 13 and 14, the angled spray mechanism 262 forthe angled lint filter 260 can include a secondary fluid line 330connected with the diverter valve 130, or in some instances, the primarydiverter valve 140. Because the angled lint filter 260 is typicallypositioned as the initial lint filtering member of the lint removalsystem 10, lint 32 will collect on the angled lint filter 260 morerapidly during operation of the appliance 12. Accordingly, activation ofthe angled spray mechanism 262 corresponding to the angled lint filter260 may be operated more frequently to remove the captured lint 270 fromthe angled lint filter 260. In this instance, the diverter valve 130 canbe operated to allow for the more frequent flow of fluid 38 through thesecondary fluid line 330 and to the angled spray mechanism 262 for theangled lint filter 260. Fluid 38 from the angled spray mechanism 262 mayalso be directed through the lint drain 272 and toward one or more ofthe first, second and third lint filters 80, 82, 84 to assist inremoving lint 32 from these lint filters.

The angled lint filter 260 and the first, second and third lint filters80, 82, 84 can include filtering material 312 having graduallydecreasing mesh sizes or gradually decreasing pore size. In this manner,each successive filter of the lint removal system 10 can be adapted tocapture smaller sized particles of lint 32. In such a configuration, theangled lint filter 260 will typically have the largest mesh size or poresize for capturing the largest lint particles and also the largestamount of lint 32. The next filter in line, the first lint filter 80,will typically have a slightly smaller mesh or pore size for capturingsmaller lint particles. The first lint filter 80 will also typicallycapture less lint 32 than the angled lint filter 260. Where the lintremoval system 10 includes additional lint filters, such as the secondlint filter 82, third lint filter 84, or subsequent lint filters, eachsuccessive lint filter can typically be configured to capture smallersized particles of lint 32 and also smaller amounts of lint 32.

In various embodiments, the angled lint filter 260 may include multiplespray nozzles 160, where each spray nozzle 160 is operated independentlythrough operation of dedicated diverter valves 130. It is alsocontemplated that the angled spray mechanism 262 for the angled lintfilter 260 may be a single spray nozzle 160 that is adapted to direct aflow of fluid 38 across the entire upstream surface 268 of the angledlint filter 260. In configurations where the angled spray mechanism 262includes multiple spray nozzles 160, the bypass member 280 can beadapted to be manipulated from the blocking position 282 to the drainposition 284 by either of the multiple spray nozzles 160 of the angledspray mechanism 262. The bypass member 280 may also be configured as twoseparate bypass members 280 that correspond to each spray nozzle 160 ofthe angled spray mechanism 262 serving the angled lint filter 260.

The fluid 38 directed through the secondary fluid line 330 into theangled spray mechanism 262 can be directed from an external fluid source110 such as a household spigot or faucet. Fluid 38 may also be directedto the secondary fluid line 330 through a dedicated pump that may movefluid 38 from a fluid source 264 within the appliance 12. The internalsource of fluid 38 may be captured condensate 26 that may be collectedthrough operation of a heat exchange or heat pump system 14 of theappliance 12.

While the angled lint filter 260 is shown as having a particular angledconfiguration, it should be understood that the exact angle of theangled lint filter 260 can vary depending upon the design of theappliance 12. It should also be understood that the angled lint filter260 may be configured to be angled in the opposite direction, or may beangled from the left side of the appliance 12 toward the right side ofthe appliance 12, or vice versa. The exact configuration of the angledlint filter 260 as well as the positioning of the angled spray mechanism262 may vary depending upon the exact design of the appliance 12 thatincorporates the lint removal system 10.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described device and other components is not limitedto any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the devicedisclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unlessdescribed otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the device as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present device. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present device, and further it is to be understoodthat such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claimsunless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodimentsonly. Modifications of the device will occur to those skilled in the artand to those who make or use the device. Therefore, it is understoodthat the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above is merelyfor illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of thedevice, which is defined by the following claims as interpretedaccording to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine ofEquivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A laundry appliance comprising: a rotating drumfor processing laundry; a blower that directs process air through an airpath that includes the rotating drum; a heat exchanger positioned withinthe air path that cools and dehumidifies the process air; a plurality ofair filters arranged sequentially that capture lint from the process airat respective positions upstream of the heat exchanger; a filter spraysystem having a plurality of fluid sprayers that deliver fluid to asurface of each air filter of the plurality of air filters, wherein eachfluid sprayer of the plurality of fluid sprayers directs captured lintaway from a respective air filter of the plurality of air filters. 2.The laundry appliance of claim 1, wherein the filter spray systemincludes a diverter valve that selectively apportions the fluid betweenthe plurality of fluid sprayers.
 3. The laundry appliance of claim 1,wherein: the plurality of air filters includes first and second lintfilters that are positioned in a parallel arrangement adjacent to theheat exchanger; and the filter spray system includes first and secondfluid sprayers that deliver the fluid to the first and second airfilters, respectively.
 4. The laundry appliance of claim 2, wherein eachfluid sprayer of the plurality of fluid sprayers includes a plurality ofspray nozzles.
 5. The laundry appliance of claim 4, wherein each airfilter includes two spray nozzles that are operated sequentially and todirect water to different portions of the respective air filter.
 6. Thelaundry appliance of claim 4, wherein the plurality of spray nozzles areconfigured to direct a spray of the fluid into an upstream surface ofthe respective air filter of the plurality of air filters.
 7. Thelaundry appliance of claim 4, wherein the diverter valve apportions thefluid between the plurality of spray nozzles.
 8. The laundry applianceof claim 1, further comprising: a drain channel positioned below theplurality of air filters, wherein the plurality of fluid sprayersdirects the fluid across the plurality of air filters and into the drainchannel.
 9. The laundry appliance of claim 8, wherein the drain channelalso receives condensate from the heat exchanger.
 10. The laundryappliance of claim 9, wherein the drain channel is sloped to direct thecondensate and the fluid to a fluid pump.
 11. The laundry appliance ofclaim 3, wherein: the first lint filter is positioned upstream of theheat exchanger and the second lint filter is positioned between thefirst lint filter and the heat exchanger; and the first and second lintfilters each include a mesh that captures the lint, the first lintfilter having a first mesh size and the second lint filter having asecond mesh size that is smaller than the first mesh size.
 12. Thelaundry appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a blocking member thatis positioned upstream of the plurality of air filters.
 13. A lintremoval system for a laundry appliance, the lint removal systemcomprising: an air moving unit that directs process air through an airpath for processing laundry; a heat exchanger that dehumidifies theprocess air within the air path; first and second lint filterspositioned upstream of the heat exchanger for capturing lint particlesfrom the process air; a first fluid sprayer that directs fluid to asurface of the first lint filter for removing captured lint from thefirst lint filter; a second fluid sprayer that directs the fluid to asurface of the second lint filter for removing the captured lint fromthe second lint filter; and a diverter valve that selectively apportionsthe fluid between the first and second fluid sprayers, wherein the fluidfrom the first and second fluid sprayers and the captured lint from thefirst and second lint filters are directed to a common drain channel.14. The lint removal system of claim 13, wherein the common drainchannel also receives condensate from the heat exchanger.
 15. The lintremoval system of claim 13, further comprising: a third lint filter forcapturing lint particles from the process air; and a third fluid sprayerthat directs the fluid to a surface of the third lint filter forremoving the captured lint from the third lint filter, wherein thediverter valve selectively apportions the fluid between the first,second and third fluid sprayers.
 16. The lint removal system of claim13, wherein each of the first and second fluid sprayers includes twospray nozzles that are operated to sequentially direct water to separatefilter portions disposed within a respective lint filter of the firstand second lint filters.
 17. The lint removal system of claim 13,wherein the first and second fluid sprayers are positioned to direct aspray of the fluid into an upstream surface of the first and second lintfilters, respectively.
 18. A lint removal system for a laundryappliance, the lint removal system comprising: a plurality of airfilters that capture lint within an air path at a position upstream of aheat exchanger; a plurality of fluid sprayers that direct fluid onto theplurality of air filters, respectively, to remove captured lint from theplurality of air filters; a diverter valve that apportions the fluidbetween the plurality of fluid sprayers; and a drain channel that ispositioned below the heat exchanger and below the plurality of airfilters to receive condensate from the heat exchanger and receive thefluid and captured lint from the plurality of air filters.
 19. The lintremoval system of claim 18, wherein the drain channel is sloped todirect the condensate and the fluid to a fluid pump.
 20. The lintremoval system of claim 19, wherein the fluid pump directs thecondensate and fluid to a fluid outlet.